The Portland Trail Blazers They unleashed a two-game losing streak on Saturday and handled matters against the humble Detroit Pistons with a 118-103 blowout victory at the Moda Center.
The Pistons are far from competitive. They were without their most prolific player in Jerami Grant, so anything less would have been a big disappointment.
Portland was led by a He-Man-like effort from Enes Kanter, who brutally overtook a franchise record of 30 rebounds to match along with 24 points, 2 assists and 2 blocks. The Wilt Chamberlain-like performance was by 53 joint points from Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, who were able to rest the entire fourth quarter.
First term
The Blazers looked worried early on, and they may have taken a bit of adjusting not to play against an elite defense for the first time in four days. Portland meanders around in first gear for about the first six minutes and struggles to pass on shots, and is saved by the manic attacking setback of Kanter (who filled in for cargo driver Jusuf Nurkic). The Pistons and Mason Plumee gave the favor, and Portland with every wandering pass and almost fitted makeup, but did enough to keep up the pressure. Lillard and McColllum swung a hot outside shot in the Blazers’ favor in the final minutes, giving them a 33-23 lead at the end of one.
Second term
Portland wanted to continue behind McCollum and Carmelo Anthony, who quickly increased the advantage to 16 early in the second period. But Frank Jackson and the Detroit Bank refused to let the Blazers down easily. Since Portland’s second unit was not large, the Pistons went straight into the teeth of the Blazer defense and got points in the paint to pull back within three. Lillard returned and restored order, mostly by increasing the pace in the transition. On a number of occasions, he was able to find Norman Powell and Nassir Little wide open at halftime, and he dropped feathery passes like a quarterback leading his receiver to the end zone. Portland led nine points in the locker room at 59-50.
Third term
Tired of playing around, the Blazers came out of the break with meaning. McCollum led the charge early on and filled Detroit with a series of retirees and drivers who said, “If you let this happen, you have no chance.” Still, a three-point mini-renaissance by Josh Jackson Portland prevented him from running away with the game, or at least slowing it down until the Blazers hit a defensive hit halfway through the quarter. Portland continued to lead Kanter into the post, and combined with some timely jumpers from Lillard, they were able to close strongly. They took a leading 95-76 lead in the final frame.
Fourth term
Some of the Portland entrees had to make a turn, but the fourth quarter was mostly junk time, while the Pistons did little to threaten a return. The focus was almost entirely on Kanter, who received a useful shot choice from his teammates (and the Pistons for that matter) to achieve his feat.
Notes
Wow. Kanter’s ridiculous 30 boards are the most by any player this season, and the most by a Blazer since Sidney Wicks had 28 in 1975 in 1975. Detroit could not keep him off the ball all night. The Pistons didn’t even play a center anymore while the game was going on, clearing the way for Enes to go wild.
Box count
What’s next
Stay tuned for Dave Deckard’s analysis in the extensive summary!
The Blazers are back in action tomorrow when they host the Miami Heat at 7pm in the Pacific.